Classic cuts can come to life when current performers put their spin on those songs.

Case in point is Martina McBride, who is touring in support of her album "Everlasting," which features 12 classics.

"It's a record of some of my favorite songs from the genres of R&B and soul. We cover people like Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and the Supremes," she said. "It's a really fun record. It was a labor of love for me."

That hard work paid off when the April 2014 release of "Everlasting" resulted in McBride becoming the first solo female artist to debut at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart with an independently released and distributed album.

"It started out as kind of a side project and really turned into a whole tour, which is really probably the most fun I've had," said McBride of the concerts that include a May 15 stop at Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana.

"We have an 11-piece band, a horn section, background singers and everybody's dressed and matching. It's very visual, lots of movement on stage. It's really interesting for the audience."

Since first making the country charts in 1992, McBride has had quite the career, from being named female vocalist of the year four times by the Country Music Association to performing as part of the Academy of Country Music Awards' 50th anniversary celebration in April.

As for her most memorable gigs, she cited singing for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and an April performance of "Over the Rainbow" on TV show "American Idol."

"I've been able to do really amazing stuff in this career. It's been quite a ride, for sure," the multiplatinum artist said.

The "Everlasting" tour also features several fan favorites.

"I love what I do on stage. I still love singing 'A Broken Wing' and 'Independence Day' and 'This One's for the Girls,' " McBride said. "I like to do songs that inspire someone or make someone feel like they're not alone."

McBride's recent projects include co-authoring "Around the Table: Recipes and Inspiration for Gatherings Throughout the Year" with Katherine Cobbs in October.

Work on new material could start in June for McBride's Nash Icon Records debut. "It will be an album of country originals. Hopefully it will be out by the end of the year, if not early next year," she said.

For now, the tour that features nearly two-hour concerts is McBride's focus.

"I love the fact that this is in smaller venues because it's more intimate," she said.

"When I set out to do this, there were two things I really wanted. I didn't really set out to be famous. I wanted respect and longevity. I feel like I have achieved those two things, and it means a lot to me."

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter.

Martina McBride

When: 8 p.m. May 15

Where: Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville, Ind.

Tickets: $43 to $48; Ultimate Overnight, VIP Elite and dinner-theater packages also available